Michael Jerome Rogers

His love for his family, the Ohio State Buckeyes, his Dodge Challenger, NASCAR, Semi-trucks, Aircraft, Photography and keeping the legacy of his grandparents 70+ year-old custom-built Easter Display going is what filled his heart. Though he was the proverbial “Man’s Man” and called Big Mike, he was a gentle giant to all who knew him. He was an avid prankster with a sarcastic wicked sense of humor, if he called you “Butt Head”, you knew he liked you, when you did something dumb, he’d say “Way to go Ace” and when he did something dumb, he’d say “Way to go Rogers”. But he always had a friendly smile and a story to tell anyone who would listen. In his younger years he had an uncanny resemblance to Elvis Presley, in his older years he took on more of a Kenny Rogers appearance. So much so that he would prank his unsuspecting victims with stories that Kenny Rogers was his brother, and with his appearance and the last name, it was believable. He’d laugh and laugh when he’d have to give up the joke. He’d toss rubber snakes in his sister’s kitchen during holiday meals just to hear her and everyone else scream and act like he had nothing to do with it. He spent his younger years with his brothers or son bent over the engine of whatever muscle car he was tinkering with to get ready for the drag strip or track and his older years spent being his wife’s fashion show judge for whatever her latest shopping adventures brought home, visiting his best friend Joe on the west coast of Florida and taking pictures of whatever landscape caught his eye. His latest life motto he would say repeatedly was “Endeavor to Persevere”. Everyone was his “Buddy” or his “Darlin”, and he never had enough of them.

He graduated from Midpark High School in 1968 where he was one of “The Racing Guys” and then had plans to join the United States Air Force, however due to a back injury he could not enlist. His father was a WWII Army veteran, and his 3 brothers had also enlisted in the Armed Forces, so wanting to still contribute, he spent the rest of his life volunteering his time and supporting the United States Military in a civilian capacity. When Hurricane Andrew hit in 1992 and the Homestead Air Force Base was badly damaged, he stepped up and volunteered his time with clean up efforts, earning him a plaque of recognition for his civilian services for that and other efforts.

He began his career in Cleveland as a local and over the road Truck Driver hauling steel across the Midwest. After moving to Miami in 1982, he built the rest of his career off the road to spend more time with his family. He spent the next 41 years in Logistics Management in the Fresh Cut Flower and Foliage industries before retiring in September of 2023. Throughout his career he built lifelong friendships with many who became a second family to not only him but his wife and children.

He is lovingly survived by his Wife Maria Hebe Rogers, Children Pamela (Ed) Rogers, Michael (Christine) Rogers, Jessica (Jeff) Rogers and Andres (Lili) Rogers; 10 Grandchildren: Jean Pierre (Madison), Virginia, Jacob (Abigail), Stephen, Bryce (Jessica), Rachel, Lucas, Kyle, MyKaylea, and Penni; 2 Great-Grandchildren Jovie and Cassian; Siblings: Danny (Linda) Rogers, James (Florentina) Rogers, Debra (Donald-deceased) D’Amico, George Rogers: Aunt: Patricia Seita (Don); Cousins: Andre Khayat, Bonnie Seita, and many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Brother-in-Law Donald D’Amico and Daughter Patricia Rogers.

A funeral mass for will be held Friday, November 1, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Mother of Christ Catholic Church, 14141 SW 26 St, Miami, Florida 33175. Following the funeral mass will be an entombment at 1:00 PM at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery, 11411 NW 25 St, Doral, Florida 33172. In lieu of Flowers, the family asks for a donation to Wounded Warriors Project in his name.